From giszpenc at hotmail.com Sun Feb 8 16:00:39 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Sun, 08 Feb 2004 16:00:39 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] Readings & First class Message-ID: Hi there, and welcome to EconFon! (Economics for Friends of Noemi, of Econ for Fon.) =========== If you are receiving this email and would not like to be on the econfon list, let me know and I will take you off. You all are welcome to post messages to the list, or send me email directly if you have any questions or comments. =========== I have a webpage for the class: http://www.ai.mit.edu/projects/econfon There's nothing of much use there right now, but come back to it for all class handouts, assignments, and so on. Here is what I would like you to ***read before*** the first class, which will be Tuesday, February 10, at 7 pm, in an MIT classroom To be Determined. First, please go to the hypermedia text Principles of Economics, at http://william-king.www.drexel.edu/top/prin/txt/EcoToC.html (the link is also on the class website if you lose it). Scroll to the bottom of the table of contents page and read the two guides to the text. One gives a historical overview of the main questions in economics since Adam Smith, the other lists the 10 main principles of economics. Both guides are short and readable, and give a very good overview of the standard stuff that economics deals with. If you like, on that page you can also read his "Reasonable Dialog of Economics" (number 1 in the table of contents). I don't like the way he chooses to spell the word dialogue, but it's a decent introduction to a very middle-of-the-road approach to studying economics. The other thing I would like you to read is a passage from Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (available from project Gutenberg). I've created a Word document, available on the class webpage. Look in the upper right-hand corner for the link Reading: Victor Hugo. It's barely 2 pages long, don't worry. In it he lays out two economic problems: production and distribution, and the interaction between these two in different economic modes. His challenge to us: find a way to do both well! Finally, if you still have a few minutes, go read Donella Meadows's article "Left and Right and Power." It's at http://www.pcdf.org/meadows/power.htm. It gives a very good description of my basic political approach, which I think you ought to know about if you're going to be taking a course from me in a controversial subject such as economics. Although this course *will* stick to the basics, I *will* also be giving it my own coloring, because you have to be selective in what you look at and selectivity is inherently biased. No one can teach an unbiased economics course; I'm just trying to be as straightforward about my biases as possible. OK, that's it! The syllabus will be available soon, as will the class location; I apologize for the delays... and I look forward to seeing you all soon! Noemi _________________________________________________________________ Create your own personal Web page with the info you use most, at My MSN. http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200364ave/direct/01/ From giszpenc at hotmail.com Tue Feb 10 10:02:41 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2004 10:02:41 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] Tonight's meeting place Message-ID: Hiya Econfoners, ========== If you want to get removed from this list, let me know! Traffic is about to pick up substantially! I'll still love you even if you want to leave... (*sniff*) ;) ========== ***Please let me know if you plan on coming (on time) tonight so I know to wait for you.*** I'm sad to say that I haven't exactly got a classroom yet for tonight, but the schedules office has promised me one before the end of the day. So, to prevent confusion and to make it easier for folks unfamiliar with MIT, let's meet up in Lobby 7--the big lobby at the top of the main steps that are on Massachusetts avenue. See map (look for the number 7 next to Mass ave): http://whereis.mit.edu/map-jpg?zoom=level3¢erx=709840¢ery=495543&oldzoom=level4&map.x=302&map.y=193 Getting there: the number 1 bus stops right in front of the main steps. If you take the T to Central Square, it is a longish but direct walk straight down Massachusetts ave (or for an extra 90 cents you can hop on the number 1 bus). If you take the T to Kendall square, it is a shorter but probably more confusing walk. On the above map, scroll northeast once, and you'll see the Kendall sq T stop marked in the upper right hand corner. Probably the easiest way to get to Lobby 7 from the T is to walk down Carleton Street, hang a right on Amherst Street, walk straight through campus until you hit building 6, turn right again until you get to building 8, then walk inside along the "Infinite Corridor" through building 8, 4, 10, 3, and finally 7. If you get there late and we've gone, I'll have left a note--cross the lobby, and look at the bulletin board to the right of the long, main corridor directly across from the Mass ave doors. Sorry for all the cloak-and-dagger stuff. In cheerier news, the SYLLABUS is finally online! See www.ai.mit.edu/projects/econfon. So is Lecture 1, tonight's class. And so, dear students, is problem set 1. :) A bumpy start, but things should smooth out. Looking forward to seeing you all tonight, Noemi _________________________________________________________________ Check out the great features of the new MSN 9 Dial-up, with the MSN Dial-up Accelerator. http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200361ave/direct/01/ From giszpenc at hotmail.com Fri Feb 13 00:56:55 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2004 00:56:55 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] Readings for next class(es) Message-ID: Heya everyone, Great first class! We missed those who could not make it, but hopefully the lecture notes will be of some use. (they're online at: www.ai.mit.edu/projects/econfon) Let me know if they are useful or not. For next time: Please read through Chapters 3, 4, and 5 in McCain's Essential Principles: http://william-king.www.drexel.edu/top/prin/txt/EcoToC.html We're going to do things in a little different order than he does, so if you want to skip over the supply stuff as well as the supply & demand stuff, please do. We're going to focus first on DEMAND and where it comes from. (but since we're going to do supply next, and how the twain meet after that, you can get a little ahead now if you like.) If you're feeling especially theoretical, go on and read chapter 6. I'd say, don't spend more than two hours on it. And remember, this is the straight-up-the-middle mainstream guy--we will be discussing some alternative perspectives in class. Have a good weekend, Noemi _________________________________________________________________ Check out the great features of the new MSN 9 Dial-up, with the MSN Dial-up Accelerator. http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200361ave/direct/01/ From giszpenc at hotmail.com Tue Feb 17 01:46:04 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 01:46:04 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] Location of class TONIGHT 2/17/04 Message-ID: Hey there, So tonight (tuesday's) class will be held in building 24 (same building as last week), room 611A. Go to building 24. Take the elevator the the 6th floor. Go out the elevator, turn right. 611A is the first door on the right as you're going down the corridor from the elevator, before you reach the double doors. See: http://whereis.mit.edu/map-jpg?mapterms=24 for the location of building 24. There is a walkway on the first floor between building 12 and building 24. Lecture notes will be up later in the morning, as will answers to PS1. See you tonight at 7! Ciao, Noemi PS please let me know if you are hopelessly confused and think you need some help getting to the classroom. my number at home is 617-666-1899, work is 617-868-4600. _________________________________________________________________ Take off on a romantic weekend or a family adventure to these great U.S. locations. http://special.msn.com/local/hotdestinations.armx From giszpenc at hotmail.com Tue Feb 17 12:36:54 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 12:36:54 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] lecture 2 is up Message-ID: The lecture notes for tonight are on the website www.ai.mit.edu/projects/econfon as are the answers to PS1. If you haven't done the questions yet, try them before looking at the answers! See you tonight, Noemi _________________________________________________________________ Stay informed on Election 2004 and the race to Super Tuesday. http://special.msn.com/msn/election2004.armx From giszpenc at hotmail.com Thu Feb 19 12:30:35 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2004 12:30:35 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] it's official: room 24-611A Message-ID: Hey folks, Just to let you know, our meeting-room for the rest of the semester, barring unforeseen circumstances, will be MIT room 24-611A (the one we met in this week). There is a link to a map of MIT showing where building 24 is on the class website: www.ai.mit.edu/projects/econfon Thanks all-- Noemi _________________________________________________________________ Watch high-quality video with fast playback at MSN Video. Free! http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200365ave/direct/01/ From giszpenc at hotmail.com Tue Feb 24 12:48:01 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2004 12:48:01 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] materials, class tonight Message-ID: Hey there folks, Lecture 3 is now up on the website, along with PS2 answers (try the questions before looking at the answers!) and PS 3. If you want to look at the online textbook's chapters 7 and 8 ahead of class, feel free, but it won't be necessary. (You'll have to read 'em for homework though!) Once again, class will be held in MIT building 24, room 611A. Look at the class website if you want to see a map of the MIT campus. (Also if you want to find an email that I've sent in the past, click on Econfon Mailing List on the class website, enter your email address, and the pw is btschool). Yours in widgetdom, Noemi _________________________________________________________________ Click, drag and drop. My MSN is the simple way to design your homepage. http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200364ave/direct/01/ From giszpenc at hotmail.com Tue Feb 24 18:13:19 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Tue, 24 Feb 2004 18:13:19 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] Class POSTPONED Message-ID: Hi folks, Due to low expected turn-out today (half of you have told me you can't make it!), I've decided to postpone Class 3 to next week. So I'm expecting you to have done extra reading by then... gotten a jump on your homework... caught up on old stuf... heh heh! Enjoy the week off, and I'll see you on March 2. Happy Mardi Gras! Noemi _________________________________________________________________ Say “good-bye” to spam, viruses and pop-ups with MSN Premium -- free trial offer! http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200359ave/direct/01/ From giszpenc at hotmail.com Mon Mar 1 00:15:16 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Mon, 01 Mar 2004 00:15:16 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] class on Tuesday! Message-ID: Hello Econfoners, Just a quick reminder that we are having class this Tuesday evening, as usual, from 7 to 9 pm in room 24-611a. Check the class website or contact me if you are not sure how to get there. (bring an umbrella, it's due to rain I think.) With the extra week I hope you have gotten all your homework and reading done! I've made a few little changes to the lecture 3, now up. Hope to see you all soon! Happy March, Noemi _________________________________________________________________ Take off on a romantic weekend or a family adventure to these great U.S. locations. http://special.msn.com/local/hotdestinations.armx From giszpenc at hotmail.com Sat Mar 6 12:51:31 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2004 12:51:31 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] class postponed Message-ID: Hi there, This is Noemi's boyfriend Paul. She asked me to let you all know that it looks like class this week will have to be postponed. Noemi is going to be out of action for a few days for health reasons. Thanks for your understanding, Paul _________________________________________________________________ Get business advice and resources to improve your work life, from bCentral. http://special.msn.com/bcentral/loudclear.armx From emailives at yahoo.com Sun Mar 7 01:06:54 2004 From: emailives at yahoo.com (Ives) Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2004 22:06:54 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Econfon] class postponed In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <20040307060654.45705.qmail@web10806.mail.yahoo.com> Please let her know that we all hope she is ok. -i --- Noemi Giszpenc wrote: > > Hi there, > > This is Noemi's boyfriend Paul. She asked me to let you all know > that it > looks like class this week will have to be postponed. > > Noemi is going to be out of action for a few days for health reasons. > > Thanks for your understanding, > Paul > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get business advice and resources to improve your work life, from > bCentral. > http://special.msn.com/bcentral/loudclear.armx > From giszpenc at hotmail.com Tue Mar 9 17:07:34 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2004 17:07:34 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] class postponed Message-ID: Hey kids, I'm back! Thanks for your well-wishes. I'll see you all next week, same bat-time, same bat-place. You don't need to thank me for the extra time to do your readings and homework ;) ciao, Noemi _________________________________________________________________ Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee when you click here. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 From averyo at netzero.com Wed Mar 10 13:26:58 2004 From: averyo at netzero.com (Avery Ouellette) Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2004 18:26:58 GMT Subject: [Econfon] Please forward liberally! Message-ID: <20040310.102804.1731.2252498@webmail06.nyc.untd.com> Hello everyone! I have recently started working for a very cool fashion designer who creates politically savvy t-shirts with an oh-so-hip look to them (and the shirts are produced in sweatshop free factories!) Think of it as fashion with integrity :-) So take a moment to read about us and check out our shirts at www.reason8.net. And then forward this message to other of your like minded friends! Urban Outfitters may think it is cool to carry a shirt that says "Voting is for Old People," but we think it is cooler to wear something that promotes our political activism. Cheers! Avery -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Are you ready for a change.doc Type: application/msword Size: 64000 bytes Desc: Are you ready for a change.doc Url : http://mailman.mit.edu/pipermail/econfon/attachments/20040310/cd2499b8/attachment.doc From giszpenc at hotmail.com Mon Mar 15 11:00:19 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2004 11:00:19 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] class tomorrow! Message-ID: Hey class, As usual (?) we are meeting tomorrow evening, Tuesday 3/16, at 7 pm. It'd be great if you read up on some stuff beforehand; I think Chapter 10 in the online textbook would be especially useful. http://william-king.www.drexel.edu/top/prin/txt/eqapps/Ch12ToC.html It's about real-world examples of how some markets work or don't work. I am unsure whether I will be able to update the website (the AI lab is having technical difficulties at the moment, as they are changing buildings), so I will most likely email the lecture instead of posting it. See you soon, Noemi _________________________________________________________________ Find things fast with the new MSN Toolbar – includes FREE pop-up blocking! http://clk.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200414ave/direct/01/ From giszpenc at hotmail.com Tue Mar 16 01:55:35 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2004 01:55:35 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] (unfinished) lecture Message-ID: Hiya folks, Well it being 2 in the a.m., I'm headed off to bed, tho the lecture is unfinished. I'll work on it some more tomorrow and class should be fine; I was able to upload the lecture to the website so it is there. See you at 7, room 24-611A! ciao, Noemi _________________________________________________________________ Fast. Reliable. Get MSN 9 Dial-up - 3 months for the price of 1! (Limited-time Offer) http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200361ave/direct/01/ From giszpenc at hotmail.com Wed Mar 17 10:49:05 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2004 10:49:05 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] class 4 materials online Message-ID: Hey class, Thanks to those who made it to class through the snow last night--we had a good time getting to the bottom of the theory and reality of supply and demand. I've posted an updated version of my lecture notes on the website, along with the answers to problem set 3 and a brand-new problem set 4. There's also a link to the upcoming (April) issue of Scientific American, which has an article called "The Tyranny of Choice", about the negative psychological effects of trying to maximize (instead of satisfice). This has interesting implications for the economic theory we are learning. (The article is not currently online, but hopefully it will be soon.) We actually only made it about half-way through my notes last night, so next week we'll be reviewing the conditions for perfect competition and then exploring industries that diverge from those conditions--those with firms that have market power (monopolies and oligopolies), and also markets that have information problems. Happy St. Patrick's Day! Noemi _________________________________________________________________ Free up your inbox with MSN Hotmail Extra Storage. Multiple plans available. http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200362ave/direct/01/ From giszpenc at hotmail.com Thu Mar 18 17:49:34 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2004 17:49:34 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] next tuesday Message-ID: Hiya, I hope that this is ok with folks: I would like to make next tuesday's class a half-class, from 7 to 8 only. I will wrap up what I had prepared for this week but didn't get to, and then I'm going to have to take off so that I can be at a client training early the next morning. So plan on coming on time! :) Have a good weekend, Noemi _________________________________________________________________ Get rid of annoying pop-up ads with the new MSN Toolbar – FREE! http://clk.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200414ave/direct/01/ From giszpenc at hotmail.com Sat Mar 27 18:06:34 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Sat, 27 Mar 2004 18:06:34 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] readings Message-ID: Hi class, Could you go to the class website and download and read the pdf: "The Market for Lemons." This is a classic article by George Akerlof that goes over the problems of markets with information asymmetry (like those for used cars, the "lemons" of the title). There is some math in there that may confuse you--if so feel free to skip over it. The point is made pretty well using English. Akerlof refers early on to something called "Gresham's Law." There is a good summary of what that is at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gresham's_Law (it's not all that complicated). We'll be going over the implications of information asymmetry, particularly in markets for investment and insurance, on Tuesday. See you then! Noemi NOTE: it may take a while for the pdf to get up there--if it is not on the website when you go, check again later. _________________________________________________________________ MSN Toolbar provides one-click access to Hotmail from any Web page – FREE download! http://toolbar.msn.com/go/onm00200413ave/direct/01/ From giszpenc at hotmail.com Tue Mar 30 14:55:04 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 14:55:04 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] better late than never... Message-ID: Hi folks, The lecture for tonight (class 5) is up on the website, along with answers to PS4 and your brand-new PS5. Yay! See you all tonight, same bat-time, same bat-place. (24-611a from 7 to 9 ;) Noemi _________________________________________________________________ Find a broadband plan that fits. Great local deals on high-speed Internet access. https://broadband.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-us/go/onm00200360ave/direct/01/ From giszpenc at hotmail.com Wed Mar 31 15:20:50 2004 From: giszpenc at hotmail.com (Noemi Giszpenc) Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2004 15:20:50 -0500 Subject: [Econfon] state of poverty Message-ID: this is a really well-done presentation... nothing new, but it shows how much poverty BLOWS... http://www.nccbuscc.org/cchd/povertyusa/tour2.htm (you can play it without sound and it's still pretty creepy, but with sound there is also creepy music playing.) Noemi _________________________________________________________________ MSN Toolbar provides one-click access to Hotmail from any Web page – FREE download! http://toolbar.msn.com/go/onm00200413ave/direct/01/